Shelf Confidence

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we’re joined by Lauren Kennedy, VP of Customer Success at Upshop, to explore the evolving challenges in retail store operations. From sustainability goals to the rise of data-driven decision-making, we’ll discuss how the industry is adapting to meet the demands of modern consumers while staying competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. Tune in for expert ins...

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we chat with John Wesolowski, President of PFMA member Milazzo Industries, about navigating the unique challenges of seasonal products and the growing demand for pet-friendly, eco-conscious solutions. From the story behind their signature Qik Joe ice melt to practical winter prep tips and insights on adapting to climate change, John shares how Milazzo Industrie...

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, Guy Yehiav, President of #PFMA member SmartSense by Digi, discusses how IoT technologies are transforming food safety across the supply chain. Learn how these tools enhance monitoring, empower employees, and address challenges for businesses of all sizes while keeping up with regulatory demands.  Guests: Guy Yehiav, President of SmartSense by Digi  #FoodSafety...

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we’re joined by a panel of Pennsylvania’s independent grocery leaders—Andrea Karns (Karns Quality Foods), Tom Charley (Charley Family Shop'N Save), and Seth Weaver (Weaver’s of Wellsville). Together, we discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing independent grocers, from evolving consumer trends to sustainability and community engagement. Gain...

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we are joined by Ben Kuethe Oaks, vice president of customer solutions and success, and Chris Thomas, vice president of public affairs, at Divert Inc. Divert is a leading impact technology company dedicated to eliminating food waste and transforming it into renewable energy. With over 6,600 partnerships across the U.S., Divert combines cutting-edge technologies...

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we talk with Jon Norton, regional vice president of sales at ZeroEyes, to discuss a proactive solution for gun detection and situational awareness in the food and beverage industry. Norton explains how ZeroEyes uses AI software integrated with existing security cameras to identify visible firearms and quickly alert local law enforcement and retail staff. The co...

In this episode of "Shelf Confidence," we sit down with Dave Simonetti of Wawa to explore the impactful practice of hiring employees with intellectual disabilities. Dave shares Wawa’s journey and success stories, highlighting the company's commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. Discover how businesses can benefit from a diverse workforce and learn practical tips for creatin...

In this episode, we  If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and its latest update, FSMA 204. Join us as we sit down with Sally Robinson, vice president of strategic initiatives at Upshop, who shares her invaluable insights on how food retailers can effectively prepare for the new requirements. Robinson breaks down the critical components of FSMA 204, explaining its s...

When difficult situations occur it can be stressful and downright scary. Today we have Ready Training Online on the podcast to talk about their De-escalation Training that they will be offering to PFMA Members complementary for the next 90 days. You can find this training on our website on the resource tab under the Human/Labor Resources category: https://www.pfma.org/member-resources.html Ready T...

Join us as we talk to Pat O’Donnell, CEO of Shelfmark, and learn how they use data and AI technology to keep the shelves stocked. Shelfmark is a remote inventory management system powered by AI.  Shelfmark was born after half a dozen rides on a DSD delivery truck and another half dozen days spent on a grocery store’s receiving dock. There was one common thread with everyone Shelfmark spoke to. The...

Join us on this episode of Shelf Confidence as we talk with the Founder of Old City Media Ray Sheehan about marketing trends and innovations.  Old City Media is a national marketing agency that helps brands connect with targeted demographics through experiential marketing. This process is achieved through their robust network of clients and proven formula of brand integration. They also help compa...

The PA Lottery is one of PFMA’s partner organizations, and the last time we had Drew and Eric on the show in 2022, we talked about the Lottery’s mission and modernization, as well as the fact that back then you celebrated 50 years of providing a fun source of entertainment while helping seniors. Join us on the podcast to learn about what has been happening at the PA Lottery since we last had them...

Feeding Pennsylvania is the statewide association of nine Feeding America-affiliated food banks. The mission of Feeding Pennsylvania is to promote and aid our member food banks in securing food and other resources to reduce hunger and food insecurity across the state and to provide a shared voice on the issues of hunger and food access within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A program of Feeding...

Meet Orontes Mediterranean Yogurt. Orontes Yogurt’s mission is to deliver healthy dairy products of the highest quality to everyone by offering various delicious options using locally sourced ingredients. Orontes products support local farmers and local businesses.  Their motto: Better Milk, Better Yogurt, Better Health. Murat Hokka, the owner of Orontes Yogurt, set his sights on changing the curr...

In this episode, we explore the concept of customer decision-making and store selection, with a specific focus on the factors that can cause friction.  Customer friction refers to anything that hinders a customer from completing a transaction with a specific retailer. On the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association's Shelf Confidence podcast, Hayley Miller from Upside discusses effective strat...

Do you have training and retention challenges?  Today on the podcast, we talked with Jeff Kahler, president and CEO at Ready Training Online. At Ready Training Online, their mission is to inspire and facilitate employee success by delivering engaging, customizable, and easy-to-manage online learning. They place a high value on integrity, teamwork, and excellence while remaining client-focused in a...

When food ends up in the landfill, It gets covered by other garbage and rots in an anaerobic state - meaning it doesn't get any oxygen while decomposing. This creates methane gas, a leading cause of greenhouse gases that make a noticeable gaping hole in the ozone layer and significantly contribute to climate change.  Grocery stores are left with a surplus of food items reaching their best-bef...

In 1991, Dri Mark Products became the original patent holder of the Counterfeit Detector Pen which rose to be the highest-selling, and most success­ful counterfeit detection product in the industry. Since then, Dri Mark has become a leader in the world of counterfeit detection, holding multiple patents for cutting edge detection technology. Dri Mark is also an American manufacturer, producing mult...

Mark Zimmerman, Founder of Revittle, spent a career in tech. After an exciting run with a Silicon Valley technology company and extensive time in Europe, Mark became enchanted with the foods in northern Italy, France, and Switzerland. During his travels, he realized the majority of Americans were settling for substandard cheese. While cheese was on every menu and in every grocery store, good chees...

From small, specialty runs to international jobs, from new challenges to creative solutions, it's important for retailers to have a strong flexible packaging partner. Becky Smith, director of sales at Poly Craft Industries , joins PFMA 's Shelf Confidence podcast to talk about how Poly Craft differentiates itself in the flexible packaging industry. Learn more at https://polycraftind.com/...

Grocery stores are responsible for approximately 9% of the total energy consumed by commercial buildings in the U.S. Nicole Stika, head of the North American Sustainability Advisory team for World Kinect Energy , shares with PFMA insights on reducing carbon emissions and making sustainability a strategic priority. Learn how you might even aim to achieve net zero! Learn more at https://www.world-ki...

Staffing continues to be a concern for retailers. Kathy Houlihan, CEO and Founder of Dream2Career, joins Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association 's Shelf Confidence podcast to share how employers and employees can discover and fill meaningful jobs that benefit both parties. Learn more at https://dream2career.org/, or contact Kathy at khoulihan@dream2career.org . If you enjoy Shelf Confidence,...

It started with some extra dining hall meals at Drexel University and grew into Philly's top food rescue. Evan Ehlers, founder of Sharing Excess , joins Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association Shelf Confidence podcast to discuss how he started this community resource and how food retailers can partner with Sharing Excess to rescue tons of wasted food. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please sub...

Young entrepreneurs Kaleb and Kolby Rush share with PFMA 's Shelf Confidence how they turned a pandemic project into a full-time, craft dog treat company. The brothers from Bucks County discuss how they discovered their niche and why their human and K9 customers can't get enough. To learn more about their fresh, local, high-quality treats, visit saintroccostreats.shop or email info@saint...